The Time is Short

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 17, 1916

The Time is Short

AUGUST, September. October,—three months before election time. What is the result going to be, and how are our people going to stand, either in a defeat or a victory, before the people in all communities where prohibition elections are to be held this fall, and in all other places where constant effort is necessary to maintain victories previously won?

The present world-wide temperance movement has not come by chance at this special age. It has a greater significance than a merely physical reform. The world may never succeed in fully removing the curse of liquor, but the popular reform movement to relieve humanity of this evil monster has come at just the opportune hour to aid in the greatest physical, mental, and moral reform the world has ever faced—the reform message of Revelation 14. It includes temperance in its entirety, and much more of the greatest importance to every nation and people.

The messages coming to us for many years assure us that we are not only obligated to give the leading features of the message, but to press the battle against the liquor traffic. We are required not only to work for, but to vote for, the suppression of the liquor traffic.

A Way in Which All Can Work

Every one may have a successful part in defeating the liquor traffic. After the liquor storm clouds of Maine had passed over in the struggle for prohibition in that State, Neal Dow was asked how the temperance victory was won against the overwhelming combined efforts of the liquor interests of all the States. His simple answer was, “We sowed the State knee-deep with temperance literature.” In other words, they educated the people of Maine. They kept before them the evils of the liquor traffic and the blessings of temperance. The people do not want a curse when they can have a blessing instead. The reason they tolerate a curse is that they do not fully recognize it. Expose it, and it passes away.

The public mind of this age is swayed more by literature than by all other means usually employed in imparting information. An individual, a community, or a nation is known by the literature read. If, therefore, we want to become an influence against intemperance, the means by which to do it is at hand. Any one who can sow temperance literature may be a strong factor against intemperance.

The Temperance Instructor Annual is recognized by leading temperance workers throughout the United States and Canada as the peer of temperance literature. It makes prohibition votes, reforms drunkards, revolutionizes communities, and brings prosperity to homes where poverty has stalked for years. It is called “the ally of all temperance forces.” It ought to be in every home in the land. It pays its own way. What more is needed?—Men, women, and children with such a keen sense of the nation’s great need that they cannot refuse to circulate the Instructor.